Chris Griffin withdraws from Auburn

AUBURN – Already serving an indefinite suspension for a “violation of school policy,” Auburn guard Chris Griffin has decided to withdraw from the school immediately to “pursue another educational and basketball opportunity,” the school announced Saturday.

According to a statement released moments before tip off against No. 7 Florida, the school ruled Griffin had administratively withdrawn from classes on Jan. 17.

Griffin, a junior college transfer out of Wabash Valley College, averaged 5.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in seven games this season for the Tigers (8-6, 0-3 SEC). He served a five-game suspension for what were said to be personal reasons earlier this season.

Griffin becomes the latest in a long line of scholarship players to leave Auburn during the four-year tenure of Tony Barbee. Prior to the season guard Shaq Johnson was dismissed following his arrest for marijuana possession.

His departure leaves Auburn thin at power forward, where he was playing 16.7 minutes behind Allen Payne. Former walk-on Alex Thompson was awarded a scholarship in the last week since taking over as the primary forward off the bench.